Release

The forest released me quietly.

By the time the pack territory came into view, the moon had climbed higher, pale and indifferent. I slowed my pace, breathing evenly, schooling my expression into calm. If I was careful enough, quiet enough I could slip into my room, let the night swallow everything, and face the world again tomorrow at college.

That was the plan.

I moved through the familiar paths of the pack grounds, avoiding the main hall, keeping to the shadows. The river shimmered nearby, its surface smooth and inviting. For a moment, I almost turned toward it. Sitting by the river had always been my escape, where thoughts loosened, where silence felt safe.

Just a moment, I told myself. Just to breathe.

But before I could take another step, I felt it.

That quiet, steady presence.

I stopped.

The door to the small pavilion near the river stood open, lantern light spilling softly onto the grass. And there seated calmly as if he had been waiting all along was my uncle.

I exhaled slowly.

So much for slipping in unnoticed.

“You’re late,” he said, without looking up.

His voice was gentle. Too gentle.

I said nothing. I stepped inside and closed the door behind me, the wood creaking softly as though it, too, was nervous. He finally lifted his gaze, dark eyes studying my face with the kind of attention that missed nothing.

“The party ended hours ago,” he

continued. “And yet you avoided every path that would have led you home sooner.”

I swallowed.

“You already know,” I said quietly.

He nodded once. “I knew the moment the bond reacted.”

I looked away, moving toward the window, pretending interest in the night beyond it. “Then there’s nothing to explain.”

“Leah,” he said, firmer now. “You accepted a rejection that should never have been spoken.”

I leaned my hands against the sill. The river glimmered outside, peaceful and cruel in its calm. “I didn’t want a scene.”

A pause.

“You didn’t want to reveal yourself,” he corrected.

Silence stretched between us.

“I just wanted to sit by the river,” I admitted finally. “Just for a little while. I didn’t want questions. Or advice. Or…” My voice faltered, only for a heartbeat. “…pity.”

He stood then, moving closer, his presence steady and protective. “You won’t “ 

I lean towards his chest an cried out my eyes.

“ You know I warned you about Derek” my uncle said 

He led me to my room after I already cried out my eyes, that night the sleep was hard before I knew it was morning already. I stood up and took my shower and dress for school by the time I got downstairs at the dinning table my uncle was already seated.

“You don't have to go to college today, resume back when everything is calm” my uncle said 

Why should I be scared? I am used to the insult Claire and her puppet do everytime, "You should have seen Derek’s face when I accepted his rejection.” I laughed softly. “He wasn’t prepared for that.”

My uncle watched me carefully across the dining table. His eyes always had that way of seeing through every wall I tried to build.

“This isn’t about being scared, Leah,” he said calmly. “It’s about knowing when a situation no longer deserves your presence.”

I grabbed a piece of toast and shrugged. “It’s just college. Nothing new.”

He studied me for a moment longer but didn’t argue. Instead, he simply nodded once.

“Very well. But remember who you are.”

I forced a small smile. “Unfortunately, everyone there thinks they already know who I am.”

And with that, I left. Blood Moon College stood exactly the same as always large stone buildings, tall iron gates, and students moving through the courtyard like restless wolves circling invisible territory lines.

The moment I stepped onto campus, I could feel the whispers begin.

Of course.

News traveled faster than wolves.

Some students glanced at me with curiosity. Others smirked. A few simply stared. I ignored them and walked toward the main building.

Then I heard the voice I expected most.

“Well, look who decided to show up.”

Claire.

She stood near the entrance with her usual group behind her perfectly styled hair, expensive uniform tailored just a little tighter than the school rules allowed, and that smug smile she wore like a crown.

Her father being the dean meant she ruled this place almost as much as any Alpha ruled their pack.

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe.

“I heard your little mate's story didn’t go very well last night,” she said loudly, making sure everyone nearby could hear.

Her friends laughed.

I kept walking.

Claire stepped directly in front of me, blocking my path. “Oh come on, Leah. Don’t tell me you’re still pretending to be strong.” More laughter.

“One wolfless omega trying to claim an Alpha,” she continued mockingly. “Did you really think Derek would choose you?”

“Move,” I said calmly. Claire blinked in surprise at my tone.

Then someone behind her suddenly whispered.

“Wait… isn’t that Derek?” The crowd parted slightly. And there he was.

Derek.

Standing near the courtyard stairs, dressed in the dark uniform that marked him as one of the rising Alphas of the school. His posture was confident, his reputation already spreading across the campus.

Claire immediately brightened when she noticed him.

“Perfect timing,” she said sweetly, looping her arm around his.

Derek’s eyes met mine.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Something unreadable flickered across his expression.

Claire leaned closer to him. “We were just talking about last night.”

Students nearby pretended not to watch, but their attention was obvious. Derek finally spoke.

“Leah.”

Claire smirked. “Well?” she said loudly. “Isn’t this awkward?”

I studied him quietly. Then I smiled. 

“You should have seen Derek’s face when I accepted his rejection,” I said lightly, glancing at Claire’s group. “He wasn’t prepared for that.”

A few students exchanged confused looks.

Claire frowned. Derek’s jaw tightened slightly. Interesting.

“So don’t worry,” I continued, stepping past Claire as if none of this mattered. “You can keep him.”

Claire scoffed. “Trust me, I will.”

I walked toward the main building entrance.